Dale out for revenge against Grecians

Photo: Jon Coluccio

Wing wizard Will Buckley could return to the Dale starting line up tomorrow.

Rochdale will be seeking revenge against fellow promotion chasers Exeter tomorrow after the Grecians condemned Dale to their heaviest defeat of the season at St James' Park just before Christmas.

A late Clark Keltie consolation from the penalty spot was all Dale fans had to cheer after enduring a miserable afternoon. The home side were already a goal to the good when Scott Wiseman was somewhat harshly sent off for pulling a man down in the penalty area. The resulting spot kick was converted and from there Exeter set about putting 10 man Dale to the sword, eventually running out 4-1 victors.

Tomorrow's game also gives Keith Hill's men a chance to get back on track following the midweek defeat at Chesterfield, with Dale needing a win to make sure they remain in the automatic promotion places.

"We’ve got to take Wednesday's result on the chin," said the Dale boss. "It was nowhere near the standard of football we expect and the performance individually or collectively.

"We are where we are on merit but we have a very difficult game against Exeter and it’s a game we need to win now and get back on the roundabout.

"I’m just looking for a good response from the players. Exeter are a good side and are one of the teams who could potentially do the double over us as well as Port Vale. We are looking forward to the fixture as it’s a great challenge."

Exeter are currently sixth in the league, just three points behind Dale in second, but they would need to win heavily if they to overtake their opponents on goal difference. Like Dale, 'bouncebackability' will be the key word on the Grecians' lips after they went down to a surprise defeat at Accrington Stanley last weekend.

Keith Hill will be forced into at least one change from the side that lost at Chesterfield, with Clark Keltie suspended after accumulating a number of yellow cards. Ciaran Toner is set to replace the midfielder, with the game coming a week too soon for the return of injured captain Gary Jones.

Further changes could also be expected following the midweek defeat with mercurial young winger Will Buckley now fully recovered from illness and elder statesman Lee Thorpe ready for action after being rested for the Chesterfield game. Both men came on as substitutes on Wednesday night and are in line to start tomorrow.